CountyScore

Morris County

New Jersey · NJ

#4 in New Jersey
52.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Morris County, New Jersey

Morris holding steady near national line

Morris County's composite score of 45.8 falls modestly below the national median of 50.0, yet represents solid mid-range performance nationally. Its strong income profile and favorable taxes help the county perform better than lower-ranking peers.

Right at New Jersey state average

At 45.8, Morris ranks just above the state average of 45.0, placing it firmly in the middle tier of New Jersey counties. Among the eight profiled, it shows balanced performance across most dimensions.

High incomes anchor strong performance

Morris's income score of 71.4 is the second-highest in the group, reflecting median household income of $134,929. The tax score of 51.8 with an effective rate of 1.796% provides additional financial relief for affluent residents.

Housing affordability lags significantly

Morris's cost score of 34.9 is the lowest in the group, with median home values of $557,000 and monthly rents at $1,860. For middle-income households, these costs represent a major barrier to county entry.

Premium choice for high-earning professionals

Morris County appeals to successful professionals and executives seeking excellent schools, low taxes, and suburban prosperity—if they can afford the premium home prices. For middle-class families, housing costs make it a significant stretch.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax51.8Cost34.9SafetyComing SoonHealth84.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome71.4Risk7.1WaterComing Soon
🏛51.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Morris County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Collin County
Texas
52.3
Median income: $117,588
Monmouth County
New Jersey
52.2
Median income: $122,727
Travis County
Texas
52.2
Median income: $97,169
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
52.4
Median income: $124,553
Denton County
Texas
52.4
Median income: $108,185

Deep Dives

Morris County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morris County

via TaxByCounty

Morris taxes rank in bottom quarter

Morris County's 1.796% effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.11%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $10,001 reflects New Jersey's high home values, with the typical Morris property worth $557,000.

Morris ranks second-lowest in Jersey

Morris County's 1.796% effective tax rate is the second-lowest in New Jersey, trailing only Monmouth County's 1.765% and well below the state average of 2.211%. This favorable position makes Morris an attractive option for tax-conscious homeowners.

Morris beats most neighbors, not Monmouth

Morris's 1.796% rate undercuts Hudson (1.851%), Hunterdon (2.005%), and Mercer (2.508%), but falls just short of Monmouth's 1.765%. In this affluent county cluster, Morris offers the second-best tax deal.

A $557K home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Morris County home is valued at $557,000, the second-highest in this region, generating approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes. This consistent bill reflects both a low rate and premium property values.

Morris homeowners should verify assessments

Even with Morris's competitive tax rate, assessment errors happen—roughly 15-20% of Jersey homes are overvalued on tax rolls. Homeowners can file a formal appeal with the county assessor if they believe their property is assessed above its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morris County

via CostByCounty

Morris County earners manage premium rents

Morris County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio—New Jersey's second-best—reflects a median household income of $134,929 paired with a median rent of $1,860. This highest median income in the analysis absorbs above-state-average rents, positioning Morris as a premier county for affluent renters.

Morris ranks second in Jersey affordability

At 16.5%, Morris's rent-to-income ratio trails only Hunterdon (14.7%) among New Jersey counties, well below the state average of 19.1%. With the state's highest median income at $134,929, Morris residents face the lightest housing burden relative to earnings.

Highest income, manageable rents

Morris's median income of $134,929 leads all counties analyzed, exceeding Hunterdon by nearly $5,500, while its $1,860 median rent ranks among the state's highest. For high earners, Morris's expensive rents feel effortless thanks to superior paychecks.

Wealth makes premium housing affordable

Renters pay $1,860 monthly while homeowners face $2,573—the state's highest owner costs—yet the median household income of $134,929 absorbs both comfortably. Housing costs claim just 16.5% of Morris income, leaving significant room for investment, education, and discretionary spending.

Premier county for high earners

Morris County is ideal for households earning $130,000+, offering New Jersey's best school systems, highest incomes, and manageable affordability ratios despite premium housing costs. If you're relocating with strong earning power, Morris delivers the state's most exclusive suburban living at the best relative value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morris County

via IncomeByCounty

Morris County earns 80% above U.S. median

Morris County's median household income of $134,929 is among the highest in the nation, exceeding the U.S. median of $74,755 by $60,174. This exceptional performance reflects an economy concentrated in finance, corporate headquarters, and professional services, attracting highly paid executives and specialists.

New Jersey's wealthiest county

At $134,929, Morris County ranks first among all 21 New Jersey counties, exceeding the state median of $100,891 by $34,038. The county's income leadership reflects its position as a premier business and residential destination for New Jersey's highest-earning households.

Morris dominates the regional income hierarchy

Morris County's $134,929 median income surpasses all nearby counties, narrowly edging Hunterdon County ($139,453) and significantly outpacing Passaic County ($87,137) and Mercer County ($96,333). This income dominance reflects Morris's concentration of corporate offices and affluent residential communities.

Lowest housing burden among wealthy counties

Morris residents spend 16.5% of household income on rent, well below the 20% affordability threshold and among the best ratios statewide. With a median home value of $557,000, the county's exceptional incomes support homeownership without financial strain, even in this expensive market.

Pursue aggressive wealth accumulation

Morris County's median household income of $134,929 provides unparalleled capacity for comprehensive wealth building across multiple investment vehicles and asset classes. Households should maximize all available retirement contributions, diversify into real estate and equities, and consider working with a financial advisor to structure intergenerational wealth transfer and tax-efficient investing strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Morris County

via HealthByCounty

Morris County leads nation in longevity

At 81.7 years, Morris County residents live 4.5 years longer than the US average of 77.2 years, ranking among America's healthiest regions. The county's 11.0% poor or fair health rate is significantly better than the national average of 13.1%.

Second healthiest county in New Jersey

Morris County's 81.7-year life expectancy ranks second statewide, exceeding New Jersey's average of 78.5 years by 3.2 years. Only Hunterdon County surpasses Morris in longevity outcomes.

Low uninsured rate, strong providers

Morris County's 5.3% uninsured rate is among the state's lowest, well below the 7.5% state average and neighbors Hudson (10.4%) and Mercer (8.7%). The county supports 93 primary care and 356 mental health providers per 100K, ensuring robust access.

Insurance drives excellent health outcomes

With 5.3% uninsured, Morris County ensures nearly all residents can access preventive care and specialist referrals. The 93 primary care providers and 356 mental health providers per 100K create immediate pathways to treatment.

Get insured like Morris County

Morris County's success stems from strong insurance coverage and provider access. If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov and Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org connect you to plans supporting the county's exceptional health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morris County

via RiskByCounty

Morris County faces relatively moderate risk

Morris County scores 92.88 out of 100 for composite risk, earning a relatively moderate rating and sitting slightly above New Jersey's state average of 90.81. This positioning reflects meaningful but not exceptional hazard exposure for the county.

Moderately risky, better than most peers

Morris County ranks fifth in statewide disaster risk with a composite score of 92.88, placing it below the four most-at-risk counties but above some lower-risk areas. Its score is closest to the state average among major population centers.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Morris County (92.88) carries lower risk than Mercer (95.36), Passaic (95.83), and Middlesex (97.77) counties nearby, though it exceeds Hunterdon County (78.69) to the north. Its inland location provides some protection from coastal hazards.

Floods and tornadoes are primary concerns

Morris County faces flood risk at 96.31, reflecting river systems and localized flood-prone areas despite inland location. Tornado risk scores 79.87 and earthquake risk 88.84, while wildfire risk (29.99) remains relatively low compared to state averages.

Prioritize flood coverage and preparedness

Morris County homeowners should obtain flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage and the county's flood risk (96.31) remains substantial. Review your tornado and earthquake coverage annually, and ensure your home emergency kit is stocked and accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.